Current Sermon Series
"Panic Attacks"
In a world of floods and droughts, in a world of wars and diseases, in a world of, both, far too much and far too little, few things are more certain than uncertainty. Against this backdrop – with the Bible’s constant admonition not to fear but with the reality that fear is a constant companion to most of us – what do we do when panic sets in? What do we do when Panic Attacks? Throughout these weeks, we will examine four of the most common root causes of fear/worry/panic and explore healthy, life-giving, Christ-centered ways of overcoming and, in fact, redeeming the fear that exists all around us and within us – setting us free to trust and thrive in the new program that August begins.
In a world of floods and droughts, in a world of wars and diseases, in a world of, both, far too much and far too little, few things are more certain than uncertainty. Against this backdrop – with the Bible’s constant admonition not to fear but with the reality that fear is a constant companion to most of us – what do we do when panic sets in? What do we do when Panic Attacks? Throughout these weeks, we will examine four of the most common root causes of fear/worry/panic and explore healthy, life-giving, Christ-centered ways of overcoming and, in fact, redeeming the fear that exists all around us and within us – setting us free to trust and thrive in the new program that August begins.
"Playlist"
Inspiration comes in many forms and through many conduits – but it all points us to one Savior…if we’re mindful enough to let it. Every moment can be a holy moment, and all ground is holy ground as we become more and more aware of God’s presence with us. As we continue through these summer months (and living into Clement of Alexandria’s [150-215] wisdom that “all truth is God’s truth,” we’ll pause to consider the many ways we experience God in the world all around us. After asking our congregation to help, we will spend the month of July examining the top four crowdsourced songs through which our people sense the Almighty.
Inspiration comes in many forms and through many conduits – but it all points us to one Savior…if we’re mindful enough to let it. Every moment can be a holy moment, and all ground is holy ground as we become more and more aware of God’s presence with us. As we continue through these summer months (and living into Clement of Alexandria’s [150-215] wisdom that “all truth is God’s truth,” we’ll pause to consider the many ways we experience God in the world all around us. After asking our congregation to help, we will spend the month of July examining the top four crowdsourced songs through which our people sense the Almighty.
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"Road Trip IX: The Holy Land" Continuing a tradition begun in 2013, in June, we will take the congregation on another summer road trip. A wonderful metaphor for life and faith, our Road Trips series has become a church favorite…and, this year, we’re going to the Holy Land (each of these cities are in Texas). Gleaning wisdom and instruction for the life of holiness, each week, we will examine profound spiritual truths derived from watershed moments in Israel’s and/or the Church’s history. An integral part of their national identity, the geography of and the struggles present in the Promised Land pointed the faithful to God, and the same “promise” holds true today. We face the same challenges. We share the same fears. But we serve the same God – a God of power and hope and overcoming strength…a God who still invites us to the Promised Land – that place of peace and hope and goodness and love…that sacred place, that holy ground where we experience Him. |
"Roots & Wings" Following our “I Am Not A Robot” series, we will spend two weeks digging deeper into what it means to be human. Part of that journey demands that we realize that none of us are self-made: that we are part of an ongoing legacy of those who’ve gone before us…and an awareness that others will follow behind. As Christians, then, our call is to honor our roots and to spread our wings – living in such a way so as to steward every moment to make Christ known and to build his Kingdom on earth. |
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"I Am Not A Robot" We are not robots. Just ask any computer that tries to validate our humanity. We feel…and feel deeply. God created us to be complex organisms with the capacity to experience a broad range of emotions. Grief. Anxiety. Fear. Guilt. Anger. Unforgiveness. Joy. Hope. Love. But what happens when our God-given emotions begin to take over? What happens when our God-given emotions become flesh-driven? During this four-week series, we will grow to better understand our emotions and how God wants to use them for his (and our) good. |
"Prowl" In writing to the early Church (to the “exiles in Dispersion”), the Apostle Peter warns the faithful of the wiles of the Devil. He is a roaring lion, a prowling menace, seeking someone to destroy (1 Peter 5:6-11). “Resist him!” Peter demands. Then as is now, Satan is on the prowl – lurking, tempting, seducing. Throughout these weeks together, then, we will explore several of the most common temptations the Deceiver deploys. And we will learn practical, Christ-centered ways to resist them. As always, our purpose is simple: it is to elicit a response. It is for us to be inspired, to be challenged, and to be changed. Our purpose, hope, and prayer is that all our hearts will be “strangely warmed” as we reflect upon the Bible’s truth and the Savior’s call. |
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"Second Fiddle" When Leonard Bernstein was conductor of the New York Philharmonic, he was asked by a reporter, “What is the most difficult instrument to play?” With a twinkle in his eye, he said, “Second fiddle.” In a world that tells us that we have to be the best, that we have to be out front, we follow a Savior who tells us to put others first, who models for us servanthood and quiet obedience. It is just one of the many ways that faith invites us to a counter-cultural lifestyle. We see it in John the Baptist (“He must increase, and I must decrease.” [Jn 3:30]). We see it in the countless stories of unnamed saints throughout the Bible and in the stories of those who remained in the shadows. And we see the struggle to attain such a willingness to serve in the Apostles’ argument about greatness. Drawing upon these incredible stories of humility and power, throughout these weeks, we will explore four stories that will inspire us to examine our hearts and our motives, to surrender our compulsive need for applause, and to follow/serve the Lord with gratitude, faith, and a meekness that seeks only to glorify Him. |
"Fool's Gold" After enduring another “year like none other,” we’re all beginning 2022 with a passionate desire, with a driving hope that things will be different, that we can be different…but are we willing to do more than just hope and wish? During these weeks, we will be taking a piercing but practical look at some of the greatest temptations – the Fool’s Gold – that attempt to draw us away from God and from the life that God created us to live – letting the Spirit lead us to a deeper faithfulness and a more active faith. More than just examining/testing/challenging the folly that surrounds us, we will move towards the true Gold Standard of discipleship. |
